Beth Willis Dolente left her mark on Lady Bisons basketball in 1993 with her accomplishments in the NAIA era. She is now busy working as an assistant district attorney, while also keeping up with her kids in Cookeville, Tenn. She took some time out of her busy schedule to talk with lipscombsports.com.

What sport did you play at Lipscomb? What years? Who were your coaches?

“I played basketball from 1990 to 1994. The head coach was Frank Bennett and the assistant coach was April St. John.”

What is your fondest athletic memory at Lipscomb?

”I have several. In 1993, I was the first female basketball player to be named a NAIA Kodak Women’s All-American and I was also the first female basketball player to be named a NAIA First team All American. In 1993, I was also awarded the NAIA Emil S. Liston Award for my athletic and academic accomplishments. Finally, at the time that I graduated, I was the No. 2 leading scorer with over 2,300 points and also the No. 2 leading rebounder. I also graduated magna cum laude.”

Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Lipscomb? How?

”My parents, no matter the location of the game, my parents were always in attendance. Regardless of the distance, they always traveled from Knoxville and were in the stands by tip-off. After every game, they traveled back to Knoxville often arriving home in the early morning hours then working the next day. They traveled to Hawaii, Texas, Kentucky, Alabama, and across Tennessee. They also supported me academically and were there for me at all times.”

What is your fondest non-athletic memory from your time at Lipscomb?

”Meeting Teresa Naylor Brown, she is still my best friend today.”

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Lipscomb?

”I learned the importance of time management. You have to learn how to use the best of your time when you are a student-athlete. This learned behavior helped me to successfully complete law school and helps me on a daily basis in my job as an Assistant District Attorney.”

Who is your employer? What is your occupation? What does your position entail?

“I work as an Assistant District Attorney for the District Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial District. I prosecute criminal offenses including, but not limited to, drug offenses, child abuse, murders, property crimes, and assaults.”

Tell us about your family.

”I am married to Les Dolente. He is a State Trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) assigned to the Governor’s Security Detail. We have two girls, Kennedy (4) and Taylor (2).”